Chapter 20
Reyansh
Rage bubbles within me as I drive down the dark, quiet road to Kavya’s house, her words echoing in my mind. Just knowing she’s in danger makes my blood boil, and my grip tightens on the steering wheel until my knuckles turn white. Someone murdered her family and now has the audacity to threaten her. No fucking chance in hell. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her, even if it means sacrificing my own life. Every instinct in me is screaming to keep her safe at all costs. I just can’t bear the thought of anything happening to her. If she gets hurt or, God forbid, worse, it would absolutely destroy me.
Taking a deep breath, I glance over at her and see Kavya’s head resting against the headrest, staring out of the window, silently lost in thought. I turn my attention back to the road ahead, cursing myself inwardly at the sight of her vulnerability. She hasn’t said a word since we got in the car, and for the first time since I’ve met her, she looks broken and terrified. Seeing her like this infuriates me. I need to bring that smile of hers back, the one that lights up my world . And I also need to track down the bastard responsible for this and break each and every one of his bones. After what he’s done to Kavya, he deserves all the torture that’s coming to him.
“Reyansh…” she says hesitantly, and I turn my head slightly to see her fidgeting with her fingers in her lap.
“What is it, sweetheart?” I ask, keeping my eyes on the road ahead as I take her hands in mine and give them a gentle squeeze.
“Please, don’t mention any of this to Sunita Aunty,” she says calmly, but I can sense the inner turmoil she’s going through.
“I won’t,” I promise her quietly, bringing her hand to my mouth and kissing her fingers lightly, before placing them on my thigh.
“Thanks, I just don’t want Aunty to stress about it,” she whispers, returning her gaze back to the window.
Damn, my heart aches for her — for the burden she is carrying on her shoulders. But now that I’m here, I’ll stand by her side at every turn.
“I’ll reach out to one of my close friends, a private investigator. He might just be the help we need,” I state calmly, taking a sharp turn into her lane.
Her head whips towards me, and she quickly pulls her hand from my grip, shaking her head. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea. He’s already not happy with the case being reopened, and involving an investigator might escalate things in the wrong direction.”
I park in front of her house, turn off the engine, and then turn to face her. “Kavya, you have to trust me. I’ve got this. I’m not going to let anything happen that could put you in danger. ”
Kavya squirms uncomfortably in her seat, her eyes locked with mine, pain evident in her dark brown eyes as tears trickle down her cheeks. “You don’t understand, Reyansh. Just one wrong move, and I’ll lose my sister. I’ve already lost my parents; I can’t lose her too ,” she whispers, her voice trembling as she wipes her tears.
Fuck, I wish I’d met her sooner and been there for her when she lost her family. I want to say something to comfort her, to tell her she’s not alone anymore, but before I can speak, she beats me to it. “God, I’m such a fool. I shouldn’t have told you any of this in the first place. I think it’s better if we end whatever there is between us here itself and — ”
“No,” I cut her off before she can finish, my voice coming out harsh. “I won’t allow you to push me away just because fear has taken hold of you. I won’t be the one to suffer for it.”
“And I won’t let my sister pay the price for it either,” she snaps back, folding her arms over her chest, her stubbornness matching mine.
I run a hand over my face and count to ten to regain my composure before speaking. “Kavya, please listen — ” I begin, but before I can continue, she interrupts me.
“No, you listen, Reyansh. If I have to choose between you and my sister, it will always be my sister’s life,” she says, trying to sound resolute, but her trembling lips betray the deep conflict within her. “Even if it means ending things with you,” she adds.
Her words should sting, but they don’t. Instead, they fill me with pride for having a woman like her in my life. Kavya’s loyalty and love for her sister only remind me why I’m so captivated by her. Looking down at her, I see the tension in her body, recognising the strength it takes for her to utter those words. I know how difficult it will be for her to make that choice, as much as it will be for me if she cuts ties with me. But I can’t bring myself to imagine a life where she’s not beside me . If I had to live without her, I would simply lose it.
“But you, Kavya, will always be my first choice. I will choose you over everything,” I tell her softly, my voice unwavering.
“Reyansh...” she sighs, and I gently place my finger on her lips, silencing her.
“I get it. I know you’re scared. But pushing me away is not the solution,” I state firmly before continuing. “I’ve never been in a relationship before, and I don’t even know what the requirements are to be an ideal partner. But what I do know is that I won’t just stand by and watch you face this alone. I am here, and I am not going anywhere ,” I say softly, giving her a determined look. “And let me warn you, if you try to push me away, it will only make me fight back stronger to stay. You can be angry and frustrated, but I’d rather have you alive and furious with me than face the alternative.”
“You are a stubborn man,” she mumbles irritably.
I grin at her. “However stubborn I may be, just remember, I am still your man, and you’re stuck with me for life.”
Finally, she gives me a smile . “You make it impossible for me to argue with that. But honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way. I am sorry I lost my cool. You’re right, and I promise I won’t push you away. I do trust you completely.”
Thank God. I am relieved that her rational mind is back, and she’s now seeing things clearly. It’s important she understands that we’re in this together, that she needs me just as much as I need her. Bending down, I kiss her forehead gently.
“That’s my girl,” I whisper, looking straight into her eyes. “ Also, starting tomorrow, I am assigning a bodyguard to keep an eye on you, ” I add.
“Now you’re just being overdramatic. I am a strong woman, Reyansh. I don’t need someone following me twenty-four seven,” she says defensively, her arms crossed over her chest. “Also, if the culprit learns about the bodyguard, he’ll be on high alert. And you can bet he’ll make sure we regret it.”
I shake my head firmly. “I am not changing my mind on this. It’s not up for debate . Haven’t you heard the saying it’s better to be safe than sorry? Someone is sending you threatening messages and is out there, roaming freely with the intention to harm you. I am not taking any chances. A bodyguard is necessary, Kavya, and he’ll be discreet. No one will even know he’s there. His only job is to keep you safe and protect you, no matter what. ”
“But it will only make me uncomfortable, and I won’t like it,” she sighs.
“You don’t have to like it,” I say resolutely. “You just have to deal with it.”
She narrows her eyes at me. “Has anyone told you how annoying you can be?”
“Actually, apart from you, everyone else finds me quite charming,” I remark playfully.
She rolls her eyes. “I bet they do, and I am the only one who has to deal with your pushy side.”
“You’re one of a kind,” I wink at her , feeling the lightness between us return. “Now, you better get some rest while I make a few calls and get this sorted out. Just remember —no leaving the house without a bodyguard.”
She nods and unbuckles her seatbelt but doesn’t move to step out. Her eyes meet mine, full of trust and a bit of nervous hope . “Just… promise me that I won’t lose my sister,” she pleads warily, making my heart clench at the thought of failing her. God, the lengths I would go for this woman.
“I promise,” I murmur softly, cupping her face in my palms. “I’ll do everything in my power to keep you both safe,” I repeat the words, willing to say them a hundred times if it brings her peace.
Her lips curve into a small smile, and I exhale in relief. However, before I can wish her good night, she leans forward and presses her lips softly against mine. My eyes widen in surprise, leaving me momentarily stunned, my heart skipping a beat at her bold move. Yet, as her lips linger on mine, a rush of happiness floods through me at the thought of my angel finally spreading her wings to fly. I smile against her lips, allowing her to take the lead. When she runs her tongue over my lips, a soft moan escapes me, and I clench my fists at my sides, resisting the urge to pull her closer and kiss her passionately, the way I truly want to. Instead, I want her to know she’s in control. She’s dealing with a lot right now, and the last thing she needs is for me to be selfish and prioritize my needs over hers.
She slowly pulls back with a shy smile, leaving me breathless and longing for more.
I run my fingers lightly over her lips, tracing their softness. “Sleep well.”
“Good night,” she smiles, stepping out of the car.
I take a deep breath, watching her walk away and enter her house. She turns back to give me another smile before softly closing the door behind her. I take a moment to collect myself, exhaling deeply before pulling out my phone and dialing my close college friend, Sidharth Khurana. He’s now running a top-tier private detective agency that specialises in security for high-profile clients. If anyone can dig up information and provide the best protection, it’s him.
“ Well, well, so you’re still alive, bro ?” he asks the moment he answers the call.
“Sorry, man, just busy with a few things. How have you been?” I ask, desperately wanting to get past the formalities and straight to the point.
“We both know that’s not why you’re calling me,” he says, calling my bluff. But I am not surprised; it’s his job to sniff out anything fishy. “So, tell me, what is it?”
“Someone out there is trying to harm my woman, and I need you to find out who it is.”
“ You have a woman?” he asks, shock evident in his voice.
“Fuck, yes. Now help me find out who’s messing with her,” I say, leaning back against my headrest.
“I’ve got this. Just send me your girlfriend’s full name, and I’ll take it from there,” he says, his tone now serious . His playful tone vanishes as he switches into work mode .
“Thanks, man. I need you to get me the asshole at all costs. Additionally, I need a bodyguard, and I want Kavya’s mobile to be linked to mine. I need access to all her messages and calls from now on.”
There’s a pause. “I understand the need for a bodyguard, and I have that covered. However, don’t you think accessing her mobile without her knowledge is ethically questionable?”
“ Isn’t it a bit ironic hearing that from you, given your line of work? ”
“I can see you’re not in the mood for a logical discussion. I’ll be in touch and will let you know if I find anything.”
“Thanks,” I say before ending the call.
Glancing at Kavya’s house, my stomach twists into knots. Determination fills me—I won’t let anything happen to her. I’ll stand by her side and shield her from any harm that may come her way. With that resolve burning in my mind, I pull out of the parking lot and drive away. Protecting her is my top priority, no matter what.